The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an international treaty organization that aims to secure coordinated, effective action to prevent and to control the introduction and spread of pests of plants and plant products. The Convention extends beyond the protection of cultivated plants to the protection of natural flora and plant products. It takes into consideration both direct and indirect damage by pests, so it includes weeds.
While the IPPC’s primary focus is on plants and plant products moving in international trade, the convention also covers research materials, biological control organisms, germplasm banks, containment facilities, food aid, emergency aid and anything else that can act as a vector for the spread of plant pests — for example, containers, packaging materials, soil, vehicles, vessels and machinery.
The IPPC places emphasis in three main areas of work: international standard setting, information exchange and capacity development for the implementation of the IPPC and associated international phytosanitary standards.
The IPPC was created in 1952 by member countries of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. As of July 2012, 176 governments and 1 regional organization have become contracting parties to the IPPC.
IPPC Vision: Protecting global plant resources from pests.
IPPC mission: To secure cooperation among nations in protecting global plant resources from the spread and introduction of pests of plants, in order to preserve food security, biodiversity and to facilitate trade.
By protecting plant resources from pests and diseases of plants, the IPPC helps to:
- Protect farmers from economically devastating pest and disease outbreaks.
- Protect the environment from the loss of species diversity.
- Protect ecosystems from the loss of viability and function as a result of pest invasions.
- Protect industries and consumers from the costs of pest control or eradication.
- Facilitate trade through International Standards that regulate the safe movements of plants and plant products.
- Protect livelihoods and food security by preventing the entry and spread of new pests of plants into a country.
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